“In this way laying up for themselves the riches that endure forever as a good foundation for the future so that they may grasp that which is life indeed." (I Tim. 6:19)
It has been our prayer that our kids would be challenged to go to greater depths in their faith this summer. We were excited when on Sunday, two weeks ago; Hannah made the decision to be baptized. Yeah, God! As Jeff and I joined Heidi in the Indian Ocean to baptize our daughter we felt this was an incredible picture of what our family is experiencing. Pastor Heidi kept moving deeper in the water saying she felt this was what God wanted for Hannah and our family, going deeper in Him like Ezekiel 47. No longer ankle deep, Lord! Take us under!
Some of you will remember the picture we received when praying as a group just before we left – it was that of a huge net and how we are all a piece of that net, linked together, to go deep and bring in the fish (the harvest). Twice this week, two separate speakers spoke the same vision forth! "Net"-working with one another as a unified force will bring a harvest of people into the Kingdom like we've never seen before. Again, yeah, God!!
Opportunities continue to abound to encourage and pray for others. We are finding that God is moving quickly and gently. One instance of deliverance happened so quietly that others around were oblivious as just a mother's heart being moved to gently touch and pray brought it about. There have been awesome downloads of laughter happening just at our kitchen sink! And, of course, we are learning a lot about grace as we continue to live in community in both the compound and in our little home.
One night saw our color group entertaining our Mozambique pastors/Bible students of the same color group. We had a great time serving them and sharing a meal. During the conversation Jeff asked what they thought was the funniest thing about Americans. One pastor said he had read in the paper how we like to visit the moon. He thought that all Americans did that on a regular basis! We had to explain to them that it wasn't just anybody, etc.! We then had a great time playing a game, singing and praying. It is what I (Danette) am enjoying especially, really getting to know these amazing African pastors and building each other up. The following day we had a time of washing their feet and praying over them. They in turn, they were eager to extend the same humble gesture. This was done in the larger group setting and many nations were represented there. The once torn and tattered "fishing net" was being mended and made strong.
One day we carried heavy bundles of "makuti" (thatch) back into the village and helped repair a roof of one of the women in that village. We had fun playing games with the children, repairing the roof, cleaning and praying for God's blessings.
We also had a great time celebrating Aaron's birthday. Nathan arranged a surprise party with "just the guys" and they made it a great time of celebration and blessing as Aaron turned 13. Later that night we continued to celebrate with cake and ice cream and gifts. One guy who is a professional soccer player had a soccer jersey that said "ambassador" on it and gave it to Aaron; Ambassador for Christ.
We've had a bit more homework preparation these past two weeks, as well, and that has kept us busy. Along with that was a stomach bug that went through the whole family, hitting each person a couple days apart. Amazingly it was short-lived, thank You for answered prayer.
We have also had quite a past 10 days in assisting Iris in drilling a water well. It has been an intense spiritual battle. Jeff has been putting in full days with the rig on the property overseeing the drilling operation while Danette has led the mission students in times of intercession over hitting sweet water. Everyone has said since Iris is close to the sea (<1 Kilometer) it is impossible to hit fresh water. We believe however the Lord wants to do a miracle to provide that badly needed fresh water as a sign of blessing to the land.
The overall goal of this project is to begin and train personnel to drill the wells. Once the operation is established, wells will be drilled in the villages where the Jesus film will be shown. The film will be shown in the evening providing an incredible evangelistic tool in solid Muslim dominated villages. For this reason, we believe the battle has been intense. Here are just a few of the obstacles:
For several weeks jeff worked with the Iris staff person (Joe) to prepare the rig and supplies. After one day of drilling the man Joe hired to be the driller walked off the job. (Later we found out he was an alcoholic). His assistant driller was then put in charge to drill and after one day he left; and multiple parts were broken or found missing on the drilling rig. After several days of fixing, a third person (of dubious character) who had operated this rig in the past (though unsuccessfully) was hired. After three days of drilling this week we were able to drill down about 18 meters. Sea water was hit and drilled through down to a second layer of rock. This is a very good sign for fresh water underneath! The problem however is that the rushing sea water is presently caving in the sides of the borehole above making it impossible to drill deeper. It has also been shown that our driller is not really competent to handle the rig in these complex situations. Sooooooo… We have decided to put the operation on hold. Jeff was able to contact the company in India who sold Iris the rig and negotiate a six month contract for a driller with experience on this particular rig. The driller will come to Iris for 6 months of training and drilling. This is a great answer to prayer. We believe once this man arrives and can train the "competent" crew Iris will strike water and the project can begin to expand out to the villages. It's been a battle and a struggle (a normal well takes 1-2 days to drill) but we preserve to win out!
Bit by bit, God is unveiling a direction to us for the future and we would ask that you really cover this in prayer. The vision is so big that it really can only be accomplished by Him. We rest in Him as He orchestrates.
"There need be no ‘buts’ in our relationship to God's will. Nothing will take the Lord by surprise. The entire field has been surveyed and the preparations are complete. When the Lord says, 'I will send thee', every provision has been made for the appointed task. 'I will not fail thee.' He who gives the command will also give the equipment." (John Henry Jowett, My Daily Meditation).
We are excited about the last 3 weeks. This weekend we do another bush outreach for 3 days showing the Jesus film and praying for the sick. We are believing for more miracles and a great response to the Gospel Message in these Muslim villages. We have some upcoming ministry opportunities to the children on the base and the widows in nearby villages, and of course more classes and instruction. Aug 7th is graduation day and then... Back home to see what the Lord has in store. Exciting! J
Thank you for your prayers and the support you have given us through personal e-mails and finances. "God's Kingdom come, His Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven."
We have put up more pictures in relation to this update and again encourage you to check them out at:
Email: jjfamily.zambia@gmail.com
Pictures: http://jjfamily.smugmug.com/
Bless you all,
The Johnsons